Warning: This article contains discussion of addiction which some readers may find distressing.
A 20-year-old has urged people not to practice 'erotic hypnosis' after finding himself addicted to the trend in a whirlwind four months.
If you're like me, you'll have had no idea what this new 'audio porn' is all about - and that might just be a good thing.
Let me first explain to you what erotic hypnosis is - after having just learned about it myself! It's a form of consensual play where one person uses hypnotic suggestion to guide another into a relaxed, trance-like state to explore erotic or sensual experiences.
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While the hypnotist can play the role in the bedroom, it is often undertaken through a video online - although you don't actually watch the recording.
It's rooted in real hypnotic techniques, like deep relaxation and focused attention, which is used to enhance intimacy, trust and sexual excitement. With arousal coming through your mental control, fantasy and suggestion.
It seems harmless enough, but according to one Reddit user said it isn't as benign as it sounds.
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"I haven't been totally honest with myself. I stopped watching regular porn for the most part awhile ago. Then I found audio porn on subreddit, and that led me to erotic hypnosis," his warning read.
"I think that started in March this year, and for the first 4 months or so I rationalised it because it wasn't video porn, and all the info regarding porn addiction and dopamine overload relates to video porn. I thought that if I couldn't see it and was simply in my mind it wouldn't have much long-term effect on me.
"I realise now that even video porn is mostly in your mind. That's the problem with it. Whatever porn I use is simply a stimulus for my mind's own fantasy."
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He continued: "Erotic hypnosis made me feel degraded as well, because a lot of it is 'mind control' themed and is all about you having no control. In other words it aims to make you feel addicted. And it became a fetish for me.
"It's far too easy to access and experience. You lie back, do nothing and experience fantasies and orgasms. I will say it has taught me something of the power of the mind. But not in the way I want. I've felt disgusted with myself after using it."
"I'm 20 years old and instead of seeing real women I'm dreaming them up in my bedroom.. Makes you question the internet and it's pros and cons.. I'm leaving porn and all it's types behind. I want to have control over myself, and have a healthy sexuality."
So, if you're putting a sock on your bedroom door, maybe continue the acts in which you previously practiced instead of testing out erotic hypnosis!
Topics: Mental Health, Reddit, Viral, Adult Industry, Sex and Relationships, Community
Joe Yates